Distraction. The word for "distracted" in Luke 10:40-42 is from the Greek word, perispao. It means to draw away, to be driven about mentally, to be over-occupied, or too busy.
There are many distractions in this world that clamor for our attention. Distractions can range from insignificant fun to dangerous detouring sin. But mostly, distractions are the everyday activities in our lives that keep us busy from sun-up to sundown until we crawl from exhaustion into the comfort of rest in our beds.
Busyness can keep us from the feet of Jesus and severely hinder our relationship with the Lord. Even good busyness.
"But Martha was distracted with much serving." Sometimes the distractions in our life that keep us from the feet of Jesus as not necessary bad or amusing. I know there have been times I have been so busy with serving that I didn't take the time needed to sit at the feet of Jesus. I was too tired, too exhausted from much doing to spend the needed time just being.
"Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."
Sometimes pressure is unwittingly or purposely put on us to serve beyond our capabilities or beyond healthy balances. A friend told me yesterday how someone had asked her to serve in a ministry at church. She replied that she didn't have time. Then the person asking began to tell her all the ways she was serving to attempt to make her feel guilty. You can say no.
The second point of this line makes me laugh. Martha was telling Jesus what to do! She was demanding Jesus do something! She must have really been stressed.
"And Jesus answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things."
How about you? Are you worried and troubled about many things? Are you stressed because of all the busyness in your life?
"But ONE THING is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
One thing. Mary sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. Mary chose worship. How long has it been since you just sat at the feet of Jesus in your bedroom and listened to worship music? How long since you delved into His Word and let His Words soak into your Spirit and revive your soul? Are you too busy? Are you distracted? The Almighty God of the Universe, Creator of all things, Your Creator is longing to spend time with you.
Only one thing is needed.
Only one thing... Lord, help us all choose that which is best! Thank you for this message today.
ReplyDeleteYour words are a true blessing to me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder that the "one thing " that is needed is Jesus. Great post. I am going to miss your posts. Until next time :)
ReplyDeleteSue, I really liked your point about doing vs. just being. I need to work on that. Also, several of the questions you posed in closing really hit home. Time to reintroduce some of those things back into my life! Thanks for getting me thinking and changing.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone! I am so glad it encouraged or blessed you today! Polly, I write in between the studies too. Like me on Facebook or subscribe to get them! Thank you all!!
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